UKOLN

Institutional Web Management Workshop 2001:
Organising Chaos


Session Details

Please note that RSS feeds for the plenary talks and the parallel workshop sessions are available.

Talks

Details of the plenary talks given on Monday 25 June 2001 are listed below.

Note that a total of 4.33 hours of plenary talks were held.

1: Now You See It, Now You Don't - Policies and Practices for Updating a Web Server
Peter Flynn, University College Cork
<pflynn@imbolc.ucc.ie>

Abstract: The Web service at the University College Cork has grown by accretion over a decade. Two recent revisions provided the opportunity to look again at a number of areas which needed updating. Many assumptions which were once valid have now changed, and the nature of the information itself has also changed, both in terms of what is available and what is sought.

Some questions remain unresolved in the face of rapidly changing organisational requirements and user demands. New technologies can improve delivery and ease maintenance but changes have to be undertaken without disrupting access to information which users have come to rely on.

Biographical Details: Peter Flynn runs the academic project support service in the Computer Centre at University College Cork and was Ireland's first Webmaster. He trained at the London College of Printing and has an MA from Central London Poly. Peter was on the design team for HTML and XML and currently edits the XML FAQ. He holds the dubious distinction of being the first person to break a link on the Web.

Slides: [About the talk] - [HTML format] - [PowerPoint 97/2000 format]

2: E-Learning at SHU: A Case Study
Paul Helm, Sheffield Hallam University
Email: p.a.helm@shu.ac.uk

Abstract:
This case study will outline lessons learned from previous elearning initiatives before considering how we have started to dismantle the barriers to staff who want to get involved; the consequent changes in technical and pedagogical support; the impact on the student experience; successes, things that didn't work so well, and the unexpected.

Biographical Details:
Paul Helm is Associate Head Learning Technology in the Learning and Teaching Institute at Sheffield Hallam University. He has worked in adult and further education, university computing services and educational development units. He is currently the project manager for Sheffield Hallam's Virtual Learning Environment, a major thrust of the University's Learning Teaching and Assessment strategy (see http://www.shu.ac.uk/services/lti/).

Slides: [About the talk] - [HTML format] - [PowerPoint 97/2000 format]

3: What Students Want
Mark Ray, Luminas and Andrew Savory Luminas
Email: markj@luminas.co.uk and a.savory@btinternet.com

Abstract:
Before leaving university and starting Luminas Limited, the directors were all involved in running student union-backed web sites. While doing this, they obtained a unique perspective on what students want from a university site. In this talk, they present some ideas from this experience that you may not have considered before.

Biographical Details:
Andrew Savory is managing director of Luminas Limited, an Internet application company, and was a university Webmaster for a number of years.

MJ Ray is a director of Luminas Limited, an Internet application company, and was the founding general editor of tsw, winners of the sabbatical to complete his doctorate.

Slides: [About the talk] - [HTML format] - [PowerPoint 97/2000 format]

4: PKI: The View from Down Under
Ed Bristow, Australian Taxation Office
Email: ebristow@ozemail.com.au

Abstract:
Australia has undertaken significant reform of its tax system, while at the same time endeavouring to bring government services online. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has been at the forefront of both these initiatives and has been widely seen as a leader in electronic service delivery in the revenue sector. Australia has also established a national framework for the accreditation and use of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), known as Gatekeeper. In 1999-2000 the ATO conceived, developed and deployed a PKI to support the new tax system. This session looks at some of the lessons learnt in that process and discusses the value of a national standards regime and the role of government in encouraging the uptake of electronic service options and at the implications these have for revenue collection and regulatory agencies.

Biographical Details:
Ed Bristow is the Technical Manager of the PKI Project within the Information Technology Services Group of the Australian Taxation Office. Ed has worked for the ATO for most of the last 12 years, moving from database to mainframe applications to his current role in electronic service delivery. Ed has spent periods working in the private sector and prior to finding his way into IT was a librarian with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Library in Canberra.

Slides: [About the talk] - [HTML format] - [PowerPoint 97/2000 format]

5: Will The Virtual University Kill The Physical University?
Peter Scott, Open University
Email: Peter.Scott@open.ac.uk

Abstract: As the global leader in distance learning, the Open University is in an unusual position to observe the changing trends in online access to higher educational services. In Knowledge Media we are trying to define a new subject which explores the relationship of the semantic web to learning. One of our recent studies has been to connect a mega-university such as the OU with micro universities, like those operations which style themselves as corporate universities. I will give a brief snapshot where we are and how the emerging e-universities at a micro; macro and mega level will change the nature of our business.

Biographical Details:
Peter Scott is the Head of the Centre for New Media in the Knowledge Media Institute of the Open University. CNM protypes the application of new technolgies and media to learning at all levels. Peter's current research interests range widely across knowledge and media research. Three key threads at the moment are: telepresence; streaming media systems; and agent research. He has a BA (1983) and PhD (1987) in Psychology. Before joining the Open University in 1995, Dr Scott lectured in Psychology and Cognitive Science at the University of Sheffield. He has a textbook in each of these subjects. He has managed dozens of major grants, and has a bucketful of research publications. Dr Scott is on the board of the company Corous.Com, a wholly owned subsidiary of Open University World Wide Ltd., specializing in the development of corporate education and training portals. He has acted as an Internet consultant to a range of multinational corporations. He is also the managing director of WebSymposia Ltd, an Internet multimedia webcasting company.

Slides: [About the talk]

6: Advertising On Web Sites
Diane McDonald, University of Strathclyde
Email: D.McDonald@strath.ac.uk

Abstract:
Although electronic marketing on the Internet has been around for several years, until recently there had been minimal uptake within the Higher Education (HE) and Further Education (FE) sector. However the ever pressing need to supplement the funding of services has led to an increasing number of HE and FE institutions (as well as local and central government and other public sector bodies) introducing the hosting of electronic marketing material for 3rd parties (advertising, affiliate links, links to sponsors, etc.) on their Web sites. This talk describes current practice within the HE/FE sector and highlights the associated problems. (This research was carried out as part of a JISC funded study into "Advertising on JANET").

Biographical Details:
Diane McDonald is a senior member of the PREDICT Research Group, part of the Information Strategy Directorate of the University of Strathclyde. Her current major interests are in the e-business area. She has responsibility for the development of a Managed Learning Environment, general WWW strategy and ITC security policy & strategy within the University. She is also responsible for the development of the demonstration and dissemination facilities for the West of Scotland based e-institute, of which the University is the senior partner. She was previously the Network Manager for the University.

Slides: [About the talk] - [HTML format] - [PowerPoint 97/2000 format]

7: Linking Development & Innovation With Mainstream Activities
Grainne Conole, ILRT, University of Bristol and Paul Browning, University of Bristol
Email: g.conole@bristol.ac.uk

Abstract:
The boundaries between mainstream traditional provision of ICT support for institutions and ICT research and development activities are starting to blur. There is a need to capitalise on the strengths of both areas and to ensure that they work in synergy with each other. The Institute for Learning and Research Technology (ILRT) consists of ICT-related externally-funded projects and services, but it is also part of the University's 'mainstream' Information Services division. The talk will outline how at Bristol we are trying to 'join-up' our approach to ICT use and development within the University and will report on the VIOLET project, which exemplifies our approach.

Biographical Details:
Grainne Conole is Director of the Institute for Learning and Research Technology at the University of Bristol, which is a centre of excellence on the development and use of information and communication technology in education. The Institute hosts around 40 projects and services at any one time (funding sources include HEFCE, ESRC, EU and commercial sponsors), employing ca. 70 staff with a range of expertise and skills across the technical and educational domains. Research includes the development of information portals, digital archives, underlying metadata research and associated technology developments and the development and use of shells and toolkits for educational use. She has published over 50 publications on a range of topics, including the use and evaluation of learning technologies and is currently deputy editor for the Association of Learning Technologies journal, ALT-J.

Slides: [About the talk] - [HTML format] - [PowerPoint 97/2000 format]

8: Webcasting In An Institutional Context
Alan Collins, Queen's University Belfast
Email: A.Collins@queens-belfast.ac.uk

Abstract:
We put our toes into the waters of Windows Media Broadcasting at last summer's graduation ceremonies. This talk will describe our experiences, confusion, frustration and finally satisfaction at reaching a workable solution for online and on-demand broadcasting of a variety of academic, social, educational and promotional events. A description of our methods and samples of recordings will be presented.

Biographical Details:
Alan Collins is a Web programmer with the Information Services Directorate at the Queen's University Belfast. Prior to joining the University in Autumn 1997 he was a Health Service Clinical Scientist, specialising in the diagnosis of opthalmic disease by electrical methods.

Slides: [About the talk]


Parallel Sessions

Parallel Session A: 9.15-12.30

Delegates can choose one of the A sessions, which take place on the morning on Tuesday 26 June 2001, one of the B and one of the C sessions, which take place in the afternoon.

The morning sessions (A) provide an opportunity for delegates to discuss a particular topic indepth. The afternoon sessions (B and C) provide an opportunity for delegates to update their knowledge in a particular area.

Note that a total of 44 hours of parallel sessions were held.

A1: E-Learning - Barriers and Enablers
Paul Helm, Sheffield Hallam University, <p.a.helm@shu.ac.uk> and Megan Quentin-Baxter, Learning and Teaching Support Network (LTSN) for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine, <megan.quentin-baxter@ncl.ac.uk>
Venue: Computer Room 312, Peter Froggatt Centre
Time: 09.15-12.30 on Tuesday 26 June 2001

Abstract:
This highly interactive workshop will enable participants to explore and engage with the issues raised by elearning from the perspective of staff and students.

Participants will develop strategies for maximising implementation in their own environments. The difference between 'information for managing learning' and 'pedagogic' approaches will be explored. The outcomes for participants will include a heightened understanding of the experience [barriers and enablers] of elearning, and the sharing of good practice.

Biographical Details:
Paul Helm is Associate Head Learning Technology in the Learning and Teaching Institute at Sheffield Hallam University. He has worked in adult and further education, university computing services and educational development units. He is currently the project manager for Sheffield Hallam's Virtual Learning Environment, a major thrust of the University's Learning Teaching and Assessment strategy (see http://e-learning.shu.ac.uk/).

Megan Quentin-Baxter is Centre Manager for the Learning and Teaching Support Network Subject Centre for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine based at the University of Newcastle. She has worked in 'distributed learning' for health education and co-authored a report investigating the implementation of a virtual learning environment for the NHS (towards a 'University for the NHS').

Materials: [About the session]

A2: Users Of Our Services (Suits You Sir!)
Colin Work, University of Southampton, <C.K.Work@soton.ac.uk>
Venue: Computer Room 313, Peter Froggatt Centre
Time: 09.15-12.30 on Tuesday 26 June 2001

Abstract:
Websites in higher education have tended to be a "one size fits all" sort of affair - the same set of pages is expected to meet the needs of a disparate range of students, staff, and visitors. If we consider students alone, common sense tells us how the needs of a campus based research student may differ widely from those of a mature undergradute enrolled in a distance learning programme.

But how well do our websites cater for tailored information needs?

In this workshop we will first attempt to characterise some key groups amongst our web site visitors.

Next, we will take a look at some "typical" University websites and see how well or poorly they address the needs of our hypothetical visitors - a certain amount of role play will be necessary!

Finally we will look at some specific instances of good and bad practice derived from our explorations and explore means by which we might better tailor our websites to suit specific clients.

Ideally, we will get a mix of both content mangers and technical gurus in this session, as it is too often the case that the content providers are not aware of the technical possibilities, whilst the developers not always aware of the customer/information providers needs. This session will be very much a joint exploration rather than a demonstration of solutions, but between us we should be able to identify some useful ways forward in future developments.

Biographical Details:
Colin Work is "Information Resources Manager" at Southampton University Computing Services and has been playing with the web since 1994. Genetically a librarian, he is more interested in the issues of organising and managing information services than the technology behind them, but enjoys playing with new toys as much as the next man/woman. Until recently a committee member of UCISA-TLIG, he is now safely retired from this role.

Materials: [About the session]

A3: Practical Web Strategies: Conflict, Ethics and Your Web Site
Amber Thomas, BECTA and David Lomas, University of Salford
Please note that this session will now include what was originally billed as session B2, The Cookie Monster and Other Ethical Issues
Venue: Seminar Room 206, Peter Froggatt Centre
Time: 09.15-12.30 on Tuesday 26 June 2001

Abstract:
Are you being asked to implement cookies or other techniques to gather and reuse user information? Do you find yourself caught up in institutional conflict about standards or centralisation? Managing an organisational Web site raises lots of difficult questions, and it is important that those issues are dealt with in an informed way.

We are advised that our Web sites should be "Honest, Decent and Legal". Ethics for the web editor will be within the limits of honesty, decency and the law, but exactly where is unclear. For instance, nowadays the Web editor has technical opportunities to gather and reuse user information through cookies. There is also the potential to use "subliminal images". Just because we can technically do something, does it mean that we should do so?

This session will explore the kinds of conflicts experienced by web managers, and will encourage participants to share their experiences of handling those conflicts. We will discuss ways to influence decision making and examine our role in determining how our Web sites develop.

Biographical Details:
David Lomas is the Associate Director (User Services) in the department of Academic Information Services at the University of Salford. He has acquired the role of mentor to Web service developers - attempting to balance the service provision, system support and development, whilst always considering the needs of Web users.

Amber Thomas is a Content Officer for the National Grid for Learning content portal. She is currently involved with the development of a Learning and Skills Hub for the FE Sector. Previously she worked for the Joint Information Systems Committee on the Information Strategies Initiative.

Materials: [About the session]

A4: CMS Case Studies
Paul Browning, University of Bristol, <paul.browning@bristol.ac.uk> and Mike Lowndes, Natural History Museum, <mikel@nhm.ac.uk>
No. of participants: 21
Venue: Seminar Room 210, Peter Froggatt Centre
Time: 09.15-12.30 on Tuesday 26 June 2001

Abstract:
Web-enabled databases are key to delivering and maintaining structured content. The first part of this session will be devoted to a "middleware head-to-head" - a compare and contrast exercise that will explore the software approaches that can connect databases to Web pages.

Although structured content is important, the biggest challenge is managing less structured content. The second part of this session will present a case study of the Natural History Museum which uses a mixture of commercial and open source products to deliver an outward facing Web site and a departmental intranet.

Biographical Details:
Mike Lowndes is the Web Manager at The Natural History Museum. He narrowly escaped from a career as a neuroanatomist by learning web skills while a Departmental Lecturer at Oxford University. Before that he spent 7 years studying learning and memory: this however, did not lead to any improvements. Bangor University, The Open University and St. George's Hospital Medical School, Tooting, are all congratulated for putting up with him. A left handed Mac user in a world of right handed mice and Windows.

Paul Browning is Information Strategy Co-ordinator at the University of Bristol (but was an earth scientist who ran a departmental network in a former life). He is a member of the institutional Web Team and is fed up using a bucket and spade to build and maintain the University Web; he has been on the lookout for a JCB for the last 18 months.

Materials: [About the session]

A5: Intranets
James Currall, University of Glasgow, <J.Currall@compserv.gla.ac.uk>
No. of participants: 22
Venue: Seminar Room 303, Peter Froggatt Centre
Time: 09.15-12.30 on Tuesday 26 June 2001

Abstract:
An intranet is a mechanism for the implementation of an organisation's information management policy and for realising its information strategy. The policy and strategy may be very centralised and homogeneous or, as is the case with the University of Glasgow, involve a high degree of devolution and heterogeneity and the intranet to support it must reflect the way that the organisation operates. Above all an intranet is about delivering information to those who need it, when they need it. The right sort of technology can oil the wheels, whilst the wrong sort will just get in the way.

The implementation of an intranet involves a large number of components to deal with authoring, authentication, authorisation, content management, notification, searching, etc. This session will provide the opportunity for participants to examine different approaches, share experience and discuss difficulties across a range of issues and technologies.

Biographical Details:
Since 1994 James has has been the manager of the User Service Team in the University of Glasgow Computing Service, with overall responsibility for training, documentation, web development, software support and advisory services. In 1997 he became involved in the development of the University's Information Strategy and in late 1999 the SHEFC funded a a consortium, lead by Glasgow, to investigate Middleware in Intranets - this work is on-going. In the last few years James has been invited to speak on a variety of topics at the boundary between information and technology: Intranets, Information Strategy, Information Security, Data Protection, Information Access, Extensible Markup Language (XML) and Mathematical Markup Language (MathML).

Materials: [About the session]

A6: Web Site Redevelopment
Miles Banbery, University of Kent at Canterbury, <M.E.C.Banbery@ukc.ac.uk>
Venue: Seminar Room 207, Peter Froggatt Centre
Time: 09.15-12.30 on Tuesday 26 June 2001

Abstract:
We all know now that having a Web site is not the end of the battle. Most organisations are now well past their first generation Web site, but how should we approach redevelopment (organisational, graphical and technical)? This session will address these issues through a series of short case studies, presentations of key issues, pointers to existing resources and discussions/group work.

Biographical Details:
Miles Banbery has been the Web Editor and manager of the UKC Web team at the University of Kent at Canterbury for nearly three years. Working within the Communications & Development Office, the UKC Web team have a varied portfolio of internal communications and external relations responsibilities including recruitment support, alumni relations, intranet work and support for the many departmental Web authors around the University. Miles led a quarter-day workshop at last year's IWMW event and is involved in two one-day sessions on re-designing your Web site and a one day workshop on running alumni Web sites for CASE Europe. Miles is also currently managing a HEFCE TQEF funded Web Secondment Scheme at the University.

Materials: [About the session]

A7: E-Business
Andrew Aird, Director of Web Services, King's College London, <andrew.aird@kcl.ac.uk>
Venue: Seminar Room 301, Peter Froggatt Centre
Time: 09.15-12.30 on Tuesday 26 June 2001

Abstract:
The outcome of the session will be to enable Web managers to:

  • Identify e-commerce opportunities within your institution
  • Apply appropriate business models
  • Convince finance people of the benefits of e-commerce
  • Understand design, technical and resource issues

E-commerce is on all our agendas as Web managers, whether we like it or not, but most institutions have yet to embrace its huge potential for both selling and buying.

This session will look at various business models and at which in-house resources and/or outsourcing is needed to build effective online transaction sites.

Group exercises will focus on usability and security aspects of e-commerce design. Case studies and analysis will illustrate the power, potential and pitfalls of e-commerce in Higher and Further Education, as well as providing practical starting points.

A basic understanding of the use of databases for web site building and a rudimentary grasp of the financial structure of your institution will assist participants in getting the most from the session.

Biographical Details:
Andrew Aird is Director of Web Services at King's College, London. Previously he ran the Web at Goldsmiths College. His commercial experience stems from many years in the music and publishing industries, notably as managing director of an international music software company.

Recent publications include E-commerce in Higher Education: can we afford to do nothing? published in Ariadne issue 26.

Materials: [About the session]

A8: Update Your Web Skills
Helen Sargan, University of Cambridge,
<hvs1001@cam.ac.uk> and Ingrid Evans, University of Manchester, <Ingrid.Evans@man.ac.uk>
Venue: PC Computer Room 311, Peter Froggatt Centre
Time: 09.15-12.30 on Tuesday 26 June 2001

Abstract:
This session aims to provide an opportunity for Web managers to update their Web skills. The session, which is suitable for both new and existing Web managers will cover several areas including strategies and tools for indexing Web sites, models for HTML authoring, the role of CSS and Web site caching strategies.

By the end of the session delegates will:

  • Be aware of the different approaches to authoring on the Web and of the advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches.
  • Be aware of the current recommendations for standards.
  • Be in a position to make recommendations on local authoring strategies.
  • Be aware of the different approaches to indexing local Web resources and of the advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches.
  • Be informed of the potential for popular indexing tools such as Ultraseek and ht://Dig.
  • Be in a position to make recommendations on local indexing strategies.
  • Be aware of the role of caching, both nationally and locally and of advantages and disadvantages of providing caching facilities.
  • Be aware of the legal and ethical aspects of caching.
  • Be aware of the common problems encountered when providing a caching service and of solutions to the problems.
  • Be in a position to make recommendations on local caching strategies.

Biographical Details:
Helen Sargan is Webmaster for the University of Cambridge. In former lives she was a zoologist and book/journal editor. Helen practices organising chaos on a daily basis!
Ingrid Evans has been the User Liaison Officer with the JANET Web Cache Service since January 2001, and is based at Manchester Computing at the University of Manchester. She has primarily responsibility for creating and disseminating information and documentation about the JWCS to the HE and FE sectors, and hopes that she can do this as humanely as possible.

Materials: [About the session]


Parallel Session B: 2.00-3.30

Note that delegates can choose one of the B sessions, which take place from 2.00-3.30 on Tuesday 26 June 2001, and one of the C sessions, which take place from 4.00-5.30.

B1: FE & HE in the UK - 'Legal, Decent, Honest and Truthful'
Ralph Weedon, JISC Legal Information Service and University of Strathclyde, <ralph.weedon@strath.ac.uk>
Venue: Seminar Room 206, Peter Froggatt Centre
Time: 2.00-3.30 on Tuesday 26 June 2001

Abstract:
The aims of this session are threefold. The first is to introduce the JISC Legal Information Service (LIS) what it does, what it can do, might do and what it cannot do. The service aims to focus on the needs of those working in or with ICT, including web managers. The second is to provide an update on recent legislation in Information Technology Law and how it might affect FE and HE. The third is to give you, the 'user' of the service, an opportunity to say what you want from the service, what you don't want, what else might we do and to ask questions on legal issues. The LIS is in its pilot year and feedback is very important to us. The first version of our web site is at http://www.jisc.ac.uk/legal/. Comments on the site from a professional point of view welcome (but don't be too hard on us!)

Biographical Details:
Ralph Weedon is the Internet Copyright Officer for the University of Strathclyde and is based in the Centre for Educational Systems. He has close links with the Law School there. Following a successful bid to JISC earlier this year he is Project Manager for a pilot Legal Information Service for the Further and Higher Education sectors in the UK. The service is based at Strathclyde with two other partners, the UK Centre for Legal Education at the University of Warwick and MacRoberts, Solicitors.

He has recently completed work on another JISC funded project on 'Policy Approaches to Copyright in HEIs' investigating issues such as ownership and control of material produced by academic staff, particularly that put up on the web (see http://www.strath.ac.uk/ces/projects/jiscipr/). In his role as Internet Copyright Officer, Ralph writes guidelines on electronic copyright, conducts multi-media copyright clearance, tries to answer queries on copyright and conducts research (when he gets any time) (see http://www.strath.ac.uk/ces/staff/ralph.html).

Prior to joining Strathclyde Ralph was the co-ordinator for the TLTP History project at the University of Glasgow, which included responsibility for copyright (see http://www.gla.ac.uk/~histtltp/.

For some 8 years at the University of Leicester he was responsible for an Information Technology course aimed at graduates in the Humanities and Social Sciences. For 5 years after his first degree he was computer officer for a professional organisation in London. He holds a Masters degree in English Local History and a BA in History and Geography.

B3: CMS - Buy Or Build?
Paul Browning, University of Bristol, <paul.browning@bristol.ac.uk> and Mike Lowndes, Natural History Museum, <mikel@nhm.ac.uk>
No. of participants: 23
Venue: Seminar Room 303, Peter Froggatt Centre
Time: 2.00-3.30 on Tuesday 26 June 2001

Abstract:
A discussion session based around a draft JISC TechWatch Report on Content Management Systems. Participants are expected to have read the report in advance (copies will made be available to participants of this session at the workshop) and to come prepared to engage with a panel of users who already have some experience in this area.

Biographical Details:
Paul Browning is Information Strategy Co-ordinator at the University of Bristol (but was an earth scientist who ran a departmental network in a former life). He is a member of the institutional Web Team and is fed up using a bucket and spade to build and maintain the University Web; he has been on the lookout for a JCB for the last 18 months.

Mike Lowndes is the Web Manager at The Natural History Museum. He narrowly escaped from a career as a neuroanatomist by learning web skills while a Departmental Lecturer at Oxford University. Before that he spent 7 years studying learning and memory: this however, did not lead to any improvements. Bangor University, The Open University and St. George's Hospital Medical School, Tooting, are all congratulated for putting up with him. A left handed Mac user in a world of right handed mice and Windows.

Materials: [About the session]

B4: XML and XSLT
Mark Ray and Andrew Savory, Luminas
Nos: 20
Venue: Computer Room 311, Peter Froggatt Centre
Time: 2.00-3.30 on Tuesday 26 June 2001

Abstract:
These two technologies from the same family have a key role to play in helping Web professionals solve some of the most challenging problems that they face today. Here, Luminas Limited discuss the technical details, some examples of how they've used them in an HE environment and other possible uses.

Biographical Details:
Andrew Savory is managing director of Luminas Limited, an Internet application company, and was a university webmaster for a number of years.

MJ Ray is a director of Luminas Limited and was the founding general editor of tsw, winners of the 2000 NUS/Independent National Student Journalism Award. He is currently on sabbatical to complete his doctorate.

Materials: [About the session]

B5: Automated News Feeds
Brian Kelly, UKOLN, <B.Kelly@ukoln.ac.uk>
Venue: Computer Room, Seamus Heaney Library (Note: Delegates gather in the Foyer of the Peter Froggatt Centre after lunch at 13.55 to be escorted to the venue)
Time: 2.00-3.30 on Tuesday 26 June 2001

Abstract:
This session will consider the requirements for automated news feeds, both on campus and in the wider context. It will investigate ways of sharing 'news' content between university departments, from commercial news providers to the campus and from the campus to external services. It will also consider whether the same techniques used to share news feeds can be re-used to share information about other digital resources.

Biographical Details:
Brian Kelly is UK Web Focus and the organiser of the series of Institutional Web Management workshops.

Materials: [About the session]

B6: Hands-On Webcasting
Alan Collins and Kenneth McCartan, Queen's University Belfast, <A.Collins@qub.ac.uk>
Venue: Computer Room 312, Peter Froggatt Centre
Time: 2.00-3.30 on Tuesday 26 June 2001

Abstract:
This session will focus on production of live and on-demand broadcasts using Microsoft Windows Media products. A demonstration will be given of how to encode video using a broadcast quality camera, a camcorder and a webcam! Audience shouold feel free to actively participate during this portion of the session (we get you back in the next!). Instructions will be given to enable participants to produce three types of broadcast web pages: (1) a live broadcast with an embedded media player (2) a live broadcast with a floating media player and (3) an on-demand broadcast with a floating media player. After this, participants will use Windows Media Tools to annotate their recording. If time permits we will also investigate MS Powerpoint broadcasts.

Biographical Details:
<strong>Alan Collins is a Web programmer with the Information Services Directorate at the Queen's University Belfast. Prior to joining the University in Autumn 1997 he was a Health Service Clinical Scientist, specialising in the diagnosis of ophthalmic disease by electrical methods. Kenneth McCartan is responsible for Video Conferencing and Media Broadcasting with the Information Services Directorate at the Queen's University Belfast.

B7: Addressing Usability Issues in HE Websites
Grace de la Flor, ILRT University of Bristol, <grace.de-la-flor@bristol.ac.uk>
No. of participants: 24
Venue: Computer Room 313, Peter Froggatt Centre
Time: 2.00-3.30 on Tuesday 26 June 2001

Abstract:
This session will provide Web Managers an opportunity to test for usability on their own HE websites. The key concepts of user experience design will be introduced and explained. After which participants will then test HE websites using 'think aloud' and observational methods. Finally, techniques on how to incorporate participatory design into Web projects will be examined.

Biographical Details:
Grace de la Flor is Usability Engineer at ILRT (the Institute for Learning and Research Technology), University of Bristol. Before arriving at the ILRT, Grace was involved in San Francisco's digital community for seven years. She has worked as a Web usability engineer/information architect on Web-based projects such as iPlanet, The Alaska Museum and various Internet start-ups.


Parallel Session C: 4.00-5.30

Note that delegates can choose one of the B sessions, which take place from 2.00-3.30, and one of the C sessions, which take place from 4.00-5.30, on Tuesday 26 June 2001.

C1: Income Generation Options For Your Web Site
Diane McDonald, University of Strathclyde, <D.McDonald@strath.ac.uk>
Venue: Seminar Room 206, Peter Froggatt Centre
Time: 4.00-5.30 on Tuesday 26 June 2001

Abstract:
This session will consider various options for generating income using Web sites, and discuss the pros and cons of different approaches. A case study on the potential for the use of Web advertising to generate income will be given.

Biographical Details:
Diane McDonald is a senior member of the PREDICT Research Group, part of the Information Strategy Directorate of the University of Strathclyde. Her current major interests are in the e-business area. She has responsibility for the development of a Managed Learning Environment, general WWW strategy and ITC security policy & strategy within the University. She is also responsible for the development of the demonstration and dissemination facilities for the West of Scotland based e-institute, of which the University is the senior partner. She was previously the Network Manager for the University.

Materials: [About the session]

C2: Providing Information To Third Parties
Brian Kelly, UKOLN, <B.Kelly@ukoln.ac.uk>
Venue: PC Cluster, Seamus Heaney Library (10a). Note: Group to meet in the foyer of Peter Froggatt Centre (3) at tea to be escorted to the venue.
Time: 4.00-5.30 on Tuesday 26 June 2001

Abstract:
Many institutions are finding themselves receiving increasing numbers of requests to provide information about their institution to third parties. This can include bodies within the HE and FE communities (e.g. UCAS, HERO, etc.) as well as other public sector organisations and commercial bodies. How should institutions react to such requests? Should you be prepared to pay companies which say that their portal will drive traffic to your Web site? Or should you be selling your information to them!

There will be a numbver of bodies which you will wish to provide information to. This might include statistical information to HESA or course and rearch information to the HERO portal. What is the best way to do this? As a case study, examples of how instituions can submit information to HERO will be given.

But what if your information is stolen? The session will conclude by considering ways in which you can monitor use and misuse of your information.

Biographical Details:
Brian Kelly is UK Web Focus and the organiser of the series of Institutional Web Management workshops.

Materials: [About the session]

C3: Promoting Your Web Site: Getting Your Site to the Top of the Search Engine Hitlists
Dave Hartland, Netskills, <D.W.Hartland@ncl.ac.uk>
Venue: Computer Room 312, Peter Froggatt Centre
Time: 4.00-5.30 on Tuesday 26 June 2001

Abstract:
Web search engines and directories like Altavista, Lycos, Yahoo and Google are commonly used by web users to find the information they require. However Web site owners and maintainers often find that their site cannot be found through search engines, even when an appropriate search term is used. Use of some simple techniques combined with a knowledge of the search engines can help to improve the chances of a web site becoming a highly valued service and getting to be number one in search results.

Aimed those responsible for promoting Web services, this practical session looks at issues involved in submitting your web site to search engines and directories. It considers the use of metadata, keywords and careful design of content to help with retrieval. Other topics include using multiple domain names to improve coverage and other hints and tips on promotion including the problems associated with frames and dynamic pages.

Biographical Details:
David Hartland has managed the Netskills internet training service for the past 5 years. Netskills is an internet training service which helps both the public and private sectors develop their network skills to make effective use of both internet and Intranet technologies for teaching and learning, research, administration, marketing and other business activities. Netskills is supported by the Higher and Further Education Funding Bodies' Joint Information Systems Committee and the University of Newcastle.

Before helping to set up Netskills Dave was the User Support Officer for the Mailbase mailing list service. He has been involved with providing Web development workshops for developing countries for the past 6 years through the Internet Society and was the chair of the TERENA User Services Working Group from 1997 until 1999. He is also a member of the UCISA Staff Development Group.

C4: Zope From Absolute Zero
Paul Browning, University of Bristol, <paul.browning@bristol.ac.uk>
No. of participants: 23
Venue: Computer Room 313, Peter Froggatt Centre
Time: 4.00-5.30 on Tuesday 26 June 2001

Abstract:
In this hands-on session you will:

  • Download, install and configure "core" Zope as an NT service
  • Gain familiarity with the Zope Management Interface (ZMI)
  • Author a Web page within the Zope environment
  • Download and install additional Zope "Products" so as to extend the core
  • Build a simple Web application that can browse and edit database records

Biographical Details:
Paul Browning is Information Strategy Co-ordinator at the University of Bristol (but was an earth scientist who ran a departmental network in a former life). He is a member of the institutional Web Team and is fed up using a bucket and spade to build and maintain the University Web; he has been on the lookout for a JCB for the last 18 months.

C5: Approaches To Personalisation
Gareth McAleese, University of Ulster, <g.mcaleese@ulst.ac.uk>
No. of participants: 27
Venue: Computer Room 311, Peter Froggatt Centre
Time: 4.00-5.30 on Tuesday 26 June 2001

Abstract:
This session will look at the area of Web site personalisation and in particular examine online customer relationship marketing practices. Examples of how these techniques have been put to good practice in large commercial sites will be presented and then a general discussion on how these can be applied to the institutional Web site context.

Biographical Details:
Gareth McAleese is Web Development Manager with the Department of Public Affairs at the University of Ulster where he has been for the last four years. He is responsible for the technical management and development of the University of Ulster Web service.

Materials: [About the session]

C6: Benchmarking Web Sites
Marieke Napier, UKOLN, <M.Napier@ukoln.ac.uk>
Venue: PC Lab Computer Services Training Suite (10e).
Time: 4.00-5.30 on Tuesday 26 June 2001

Abstract:
In this hands-on session delegates will use a variety of Web-based tools to analyse their Web site and compare their Web site with others in the community. Delegates will discuss the findings and the implications of the findings. Delegates will provide suggestions for further benchmarking activities, which can be implemented locally, regionally or nationally.

Biographical Details:
Marieke Napier is a member of the UKOLN Information Services Team. Her main role is as main editor of the Cultivate Interactive Web magazine and deputy editor of the Ariadne Web magazine. Marieke has given a number of presentations and workshops around the UK on the development and publishing of online publications. She is interested in Web tools and the evaluation and auditing of Web sites.

Materials: [About the session]

 

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LAST MODIFIED: 20th February 2003